With playoff hopes dimming, NYCFC turn to Red Bulls for help

New York needs just one more point from their remaining two games in the regular season to seal top spot in the East and an advantageous draw in the playoffs.

Montreal Impact forward Didier Drogba, right, and New York Red Bulls defender Damien Perrinelle compete for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, October 7, 2015, in Harrison, N.J. Their first match comes against NYCFC rival, New York Red Bulls.

Matt Miazga could have shaved a game off his suspension had U.S. Soccer allowed him to return to the Red Bulls for Wednesday’s game against Montreal. After Didier Drogba and several Red Bulls players exchanged pleasantries, Kljestan again found himself at the penalty spot, but this time with a different result. Kljestan is now four-for-five this season on penalty kick attempts.

Montreal were down a man and down a goal by minute 16, setting the tone for a 2-1 loss at New York Red Bulls that saw Ambroise Oyongo, against his former team, handle on the goalline for a penalty kick.

Impact keeper Evan Bush guessed correctly and dove to his left, saving Kljestan’s well-taken shot, which was certainly heading for the corner. He could have won the 50-50 ball against Bradley Wright-Phillips; BWP’s blocked shot could have gone anywhere else inside Montreal’s half other than to Sam; and Sam could have gotten the finish wrong.

68′ – Drogba pulls one back from the penalty spot – Sam had to make a few kind of challenge on Donny Toia at the back post, but a late, sliding challenge from behind probably wasn’t his best option. Sam started the play with a ball through the defense to Wright-Phillips.

Today, the Red Bulls were informed that the suspension would start, in fact, with the Toronto match.